strand bamboo or solid carbonized?

16 years ago

I went to a flooring company yesterday. I was thinking about carbonized solid bamboo for some flooring. I don't want laminated (this will be in the livingroom- dogs with short nails, blown-in dirt from outside). The store didn't have solid and the salesman kept telling me that I wouldn't like solid/carbonized- that I would like strand better. Was he being truthful or just trying to sell me what they had? I didn't buy anything, as I am hoping to do the floor in the Spring. TY

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Comments (7)

jeri
16 years ago
He was telling you the truth. Bamboo is a soft "wood" (actually a grass), and the process of carbonizing makes it even weaker. Strand on the other hand rates at the very top of the hardness scale. Do a search on this forum as well as on Google and you can read lots about Strand Bamboo.

1) What company are you considering for the Bamboo?
2) How do you plan to install it? Because Strand is so hard, it can be difficult to nail/staple without the right equipment.
ilmbg
Original Author
16 years ago
As far as company, I was looking at a local store in Billings, MT. Or do you mean the brand of the flooring? Either way, I am not sure. I have read/heard that because the flooring is so hard that sometimes you have to glue- I am not sure I want to do that... I think I can buy it as t&G, and wonder if that might be ok to put in without nails or glue...??
If you have any other recomendations of a kind of wood speak up! I do love the exotic rosewood, but am thinking the 'greeness' isn't very green. I don't want oak or pine.
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jeri
16 years ago
We are trying to decide on wood for our home. We looked at Teragren Strand Bamboo Â their version of click/lock that comes in wide planks. We will install ourselves, so the click/lock feature is appealing. The Teragren is amazing stuff, but it is also very pricey. I believe many fine companies offer a T&G that can be floated Â just make sure before you purchase as not all T&G can be floated.

We like the bamboo. I also like Brazilian Cherry (Brazilian Direct now offers a click/lock Brazilian Cherry!) Â but IÂm not sure there is enough grain in BC to satisfy my DH.

Just do a lot of Googling. Many times it will bring you back here to a good conversation about just the thing you were interested in. :-)
elkberry
16 years ago
We purchased EcoTimber woven (strand) bamboo for two bedrooms. The planks are very nice looking, and it is a reputable company. It's a "green" product except for the part about being shipped from China.
As jeri says, it is very hard. I took a hammer to it and couldn't make a dent!
However, it is also finicky to install. We bought a HighPro AS-4090 (rec. on this forum) but it doesn't consistently place a decent staple - they like to crumple. EcoTimber warranty states 18gauge staple/cleat or thinner. We don't really want to glue either. The glue costs $200 for 4 gallons. For 3 tubs I can buy another tool. I think now we will buy a Powernails 50P cleat nailer and hope that can do it.
Good luck!
jeri
16 years ago
ElkBerry - Did you ask EcoTimber if you could float??? I know their web site doesn't mention it, but until you ask directly, you will not know for sure. That would be a whole lot easier I think.
elkberry
16 years ago
jeri - thanks for that idea, I will check it out. I like that idea, but I did read on one of these forums that there could be too much expansion (i.e.: 1/32" between planks could add up to close to 2") - I understand about leaving a space around the perimeter, but what do you think about that much movement? We live about 4 miles from the coast, central Calif. fairly moderate climate.
Thanks!! elk

P.S. ilmbg - how's your decision coming?
jeri
16 years ago
From everything I have read (which is a lot) Â expansion is not a problem as long as you leave enough room at the edges. The problem is with the design of the T&G. It was either made in such a way that floating is an option, or it was not. Seriously Â give EcoTimber a call so you will at least know if that is an option.

Let us know! :-)